London Fire Brigade Introduce New Automatic Fire Alarms Policy – What it Means for Your Business

As of 1st October 2024, the London Fire Brigade will no longer automatically respond to automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings during daytime hours unless a fire is confirmed by a person. This significant policy shift means that businesses located in premises such as offices, industrial estates and other commercial properties must reconsider their fire safety protocols to mitigate risks.

This new policy change places a greater responsibility on building managers, business owners and responsible persons to verify fire incidents and provide direct reports to the London Fire Brigade in the case of an actual fire. To maintain fire safety in the absence of an automatic response, Waking Watch services are emerging as an essential safety solution.

In this article we’ll delve into the details of the policy and how businesses can benefit from additional support to keep their premises and people safe from fire.

New Policy Marks Shift in Responsibility

Under the updated policy, the London Fire Department will only respond to automatic fire alarms in non-residential buildings during daytime hours (9 am – 5 pm) if a fire is confirmed by someone on-site. This applies to a broad range of non-residential properties, including offices, restaurants, warehouses and industrial estates. The policy aims to reduce the number of unnecessary callouts to false alarms, which have been a drain on resources, diverting attention from real emergencies.

This change places the responsibility of confirming fire incidents on building managers or responsible persons. If a fire alarm goes off during daytime hours, businesses must take the following steps:

1) Evacuate the premises and confirm whether a fire is present.

2) If a fire is confirmed, call 999 to report it to the emergency services.

3) Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and prepare staff for the added responsibility of confirming fire incidents.

While exemptions exist for certain types of properties, such as buildings with sleeping accommodations, schools and premises with specific risks, most businesses will need to adjust their fire safety measures accordingly.

Why Waking Watch Services Are More Important than Ever

Due to this policy shift, many non-residential buildings now face a gap in fire safety protection. This is where a Waking Watch service can make all the difference. A Waking Watch is a dedicated team of fire safety professionals who patrol the premises, particularly in high-risk times, to detect signs of fire and respond to any incidents immediately.

Here’s why your business should consider implementing a Waking Watch service:

• Real-time fire monitoring

A Waking Watch provides round-the-clock or targeted daytime monitoring, so that any signs of fire are detected early. In the absence of an automatic London Fire Brigade response, this hands-on approach is key to identifying genuine fires quickly, enabling a rapid evacuation.

• Minimising response delays

With the London Fire Brigade no longer responding automatically to alarms, every second counts when confirming and reporting a fire. A Waking Watch means that a trained professional can take charge to confirm fire incidents and initiate the necessary emergency protocols, reducing the risk of damage or injury.

• Reassuring employees and occupants

For businesses that occupy large premises or industrial estates, the knowledge that fire safety professionals are constantly on-site can offer peace of mind to both employees and visitors. A Waking Watch team becomes the first line of defence, giving reassurance that fire risks are being monitored and managed with care.

• Cost-effective fire safety solution

Compared to upgrading fire alarm systems or installing expensive automated suppression technologies, a Waking Watch can offer a more cost-effective and flexible solution. Whether your business needs short-term support during high-risk periods or ongoing fire safety assistance, this service can be tailored to your needs.

• Compliance with fire safety regulations

Waking Watch services also support businesses in staying compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which mandates adequate fire safety measures and risk assessments. By proactively managing fire risks, businesses not only protect lives but also avoid potential fines or legal complications from failing to meet their responsibilities.

Understanding the Exemptions

While the new policy will apply to most non-residential buildings, certain properties are exempt and the London Fire Brigade will still respond to Automatic Fire Alarms in specific cases, including:

• Residential buildings with sleeping accommodations.
• Schools (even if unoccupied during daytime hours).
• Animal-related premises, depending on locally identified risks.
• Buildings with known high-risk factors.

Businesses that believe they may qualify for exemptions should check the London Fire Brigades, Automatic Fire Alarms exemptions page or consult their local borough’s Prevention and Protection Team. However, for many commercial properties that don’t meet exemption criteria, the new policy will leave a gap in fire protection during daytime hours.

The Importance of Regular Fire Safety Assessments

Considering the London Fire Brigades policy change, businesses must reinforce their fire safety protocols by conducting regular fire risk assessments. These assessments help identify potential fire hazards and establish procedures for preventing fires and ensuring safe evacuation.

Here are some important steps businesses should take:

1) Create and review fire emergency plans regularly.

2) Check that all fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers, smoke alarms and
sprinkler systems, are functioning correctly.

3) Train employees on fire safety procedures and ensure they understand the new reporting responsibilities.

4) Communicate with alarm receiving companies and responsible persons to ensure they are aware of the new London Fire Brigade policy and can act swiftly in an emergency.

Protecting Your Business with Proactive Fire Safety Measures

The London Fire Brigades new approach to automatic fire alarms marks a significant change in fire safety practice for non-residential buildings. As businesses adapt to this shift in responsibility, implementing a Waking Watch service can provide a valuable layer of protection, offering immediate response capabilities and ensuring the safety of occupants and premises.

Triton Security is proud to offer industry-leading Waking Watch services, designed to give businesses peace of mind in light of the London Fire Brigades policy changes. With experienced fire safety professionals on-site, your business can maintain compliance, manage risks and continue to operate with the knowledge that you’re fully prepared in case of a fire emergency.

To learn more about how Triton Security can support your fire safety needs, get in touch with our team today.